App Available for Pennsylvania State Parks

Apple Inc.’s ubiquitous catchphrase, “There’s an app for that,” can now be applied to Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently partnered with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation and ParksByNature Network to offer the “Official PA State Parks and Forests Guide — Pocket Ranger,” a state parks and forests mobile application for smart phones.

“This mobile app will allow our visitors, while they are on the go, to search for park and forest locations, activities and events, get directions, share photos and even make a reservation,” DCNR secretary Richard J. Allan said in a prepared statement. “This project supports our conservation initiatives by reducing the need for printed material, provides the opportunity to use technology to better connect with visitors, and creates an additional revenue stream for DCNR.”

The software is free and gives users access to lots of information: search by activity; search by park, forest or region; stay current on park and forest events; receive news alerts and location-based weather updates; access park information; view maps of facilities, trails and campgrounds; learn about state park or forest history; get directions; get contact information; make reservations; network through Facebook and Twitter; and share photos on Flickr.

A paid version of the software can be purchased for $3.99 that includes additional features as well as the following: the ability to work with content, maps and features offline; GPS mapping options; pre-programmed state park GIS (geographical information system) and points of interest; a friend finder feature; a built-in compass; the ability to record, save and recall tracks or waypoints; and an alert communication feature.